I've been dabbling with the idea of starting up a small sewing business. I guess I am just wondering if its worth the effort. What kind of income do these small shops generate? I know this number will be subjective so I'm really just looking for a ball park! To the mamas who already have a shop, is it worth your time? I'm thinking cloth products. Ai2's, mama cloth, unpaper towels or something of the sort.

I dont make the diapers I sell, but I do make the nursing necklaces.
I feel like I am on the computer all day, promoting, updating listings, answering questions, talking to suppliers. Right now the money is not worth my time but I just started a few months ago. I am looking at the future when it will hopefully be more worth it!

I don't have a home business but the lady I work for does. She started 4 years ago and she is making good money. But it took about a 1 1/2 years.
She also sells other things on her etsy and own site to help.
If you were to ask her, she says its so worth it. But she loves doing what she does also. If you love to create then it doesn't seem like work.

If you mean are you going to make at least min wage at first, no... you won't...

But like Traci said if you love what you are doing then it's worth it... I mean I'm getting paid to play with dye and knit... sure I could make more at walmart, but then I'm not playing with dye or knitting...

So I'd say find something you love to do and do that

ETA: I'm also somewhat new to this so I know it's just going to take time to build and the building part I'm not going to make a whole lot

I'm also researching... and researching... and researching to start making diapers. But here's how I look at it. Right now I'm getting paid... um... zero dollars an hour for my time. So even if I start something up and make 3, then hey! I'll be ahead.

I'm going to try making my own for DS, if it goes well I figure I could make a few to sell at flea markets/to friends/on etsy... And go from there. If they sell, maybe I'd set up a corner of a room & see where it goes...

I have talked to many WAHM's, and most of the sewing/handcraft small scale businesses don't really have much of a return. I've been writing articles online to make money, and sewing and knitting just for fun-- it's more enjoyable that way for me.

What MamaDawn said.
If your aim is to make money, it is unlikely you'll be happy with the results.
If your aim is to stay home, do what you like and also paid for it, then it is a different story.

I remember a poll asking WAHMs how much they make a month, most said "less than $500.00" Even if $500 is a good number for you, how many hours you need to work to make this profit?

See how much time it takes you to make the items you want to sell. How many hours a day can you work? Besides promoting, selling and working with customers. You'll have an idea what you can make a day (permitting you can sell that quantity every day). Don't forget to deduct the cost of your supplies. How many days do you want to work a week? That will be you max weekly income.
I probably miss something but it will give you a rough idea.